Overblown? - Hevron Heights Special Res 02 750ML 2002

[Menachem S]

This is a very expensive bottle of Israeli wine (bested only by the Katzrin), with high praise from the sellers.

From a merchant:
Perhaps one of the most outstanding bottles of red wine ever produced in Israel. Very limited production. A triple blend of 65 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 25 percent Merlot and 10 percent Shiraz. Vinified with traditional winemaking techniques of warm fermentation in small open vats, aged in French and American Oak Barrels for 20 months. This wine displays a delicate balance along with a generous savory finish. Serve with your very best cuisine. Please store in a cool, dark place and serve at room temperature

Can we have a note please?

[Daniel Rogov]

Menachem, Hi....

My most recent tasting note for the wine in question follows.

Largely because I have not written favorably about their wines, some at the winery are convinced that "Rogov hates us". Because one person from the winery has treated me extremely rudely on several occasions and threatened me both physically and in court, you might want some other feedback as well. Perhaps other members will join in on this thread.


While it is true that I may not have great fondness for people who threaten in public to spill a bottle of wine over me or even to break that bottle over my head, my tastings of these, like most of the other wines I taste, are done blind whenever possible in order to eliminate any possible bias. More than that, I write neither about the personalities of winemakers or winery owners but about the wines they produce.

As to the price being asked, best I can say is that I can easily name 100 kosher wines that I would prefer from both the quality and QPR (value for money) perspectives.

Best
Rogov

Hevron Heights, Special Reserve, 2002: Developed in French and American oak for 20 months, this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Shiraz (65%, 25% and 10% respectively) shows full-bodied, with gripping tannins and very generous spicy and smoky wood. Opens to reveal some plum, wild berry and cassis fruits, those leading to a moderately long and generously peppery finish. Drink up. Score 83. K (Re-tasted 16 Mar 2008)

[Menachem S]

I wonder what the merchant is thinking - perhaps we should contact Costas and get his thoughts - he seems to think highly of the wine . . .

[Daniel Rogov]

Indeed, contacting Costas of Gotham Wines in Manhattan is a fine thought. As much though as I like and respect Costas (I think everyone likes and respects Costas) it will be wise to keep in mind that he is in the business of selling wine.

Best
Rogov

[Avi Hein]

I don't know who is hyping Hevron Heights, but it is my uninformed impression that it has quite a following in the 'yeshivish' world (which I am, by far, not a part of), whether that's for political reasons and its desire to support the settlement of Hebron and Kiryat Arba, or some really good marketing in that sector, or whatever, they have quite a following in that world and I wonder if that has anything to do with the hype.

[Michael P]

Wildly uninformed (nothing personal)

[Barry K]

Hi Menachem
W e should never forget that everyone's Palate is different. Those of us who follow this forum most likely have a tendency to find Rogov's ratings to be consistent with their own palate.. Personally when someone recommends a new wine I tend to respect their view . I make my own judgment and record for the future how well our assessments aligned.. and use that info trh next time that individual makes a recommendation
Have you tasted the wine . Whose TN do you find to be closer to yours /
I recall that Rogov rated one of my favorite wines the Dalton SV Meron Merlot 2005 a 91 . The Parker /Squires team rated it a 79..
Is there a right and wrong with taste? Or is it a personal judgment ?

Additionally we are fortunate to have access to Rogov's blind tastings .. What are the influences affecting enjoyment of a wine that is not blind tasted.. The appearance of the bottle. the company . the food . What others, including the sales person, have told us..

[Yehoshua Werth]

Any thoughts on a wine that could have gotten a lot better over time??

This is a wine people had a short time and said WOW!

and yes the 02'

[David Raccah]

Wow this is a insane pull, a thread that was four years old! Nice going Yehoshou, still this wine is not worth your effort.

[Yehoshua Werth]

Wow this is a insane pull, a thread that was four years old! Nice going Yehoshou, still this wine is not worth your effort.

Had the 07' and wish we let it open longer.. Just kept getting better thru the meal.. Yet that was only 1.5 hours.. Still young..